Oklahoma is trying to keep up with Alabama and Clemson in the perception race as the Oct. 31 date for the first College Football Playoff rankings draws nearer. Iowa State has played solid games against Iowa and Texas, and a breakthrough here would be huge for the program.

KEY MATCHUP

Oklahoma running game vs. Iowa State’s defensive front. Oklahoma RBs Abdul Adams and Trey Sermon have emerged as threats in Oklahoma’s No. 1-ranked offence, but they face an Iowa State defence that allowed just 141 yards rushing on 52 carries against Texas last week. Much of Oklahoma’s deep passing success comes off of play action, so the Sooners need to establish the run for it to work.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Iowa State: LB Joel Lanning. The converted quarterback had 20 tackles last week against Texas, the most for any Big 12 player this season. He ranks second in the Big 12 with 11.5 tackles per game.

Oklahoma: QB Baker Mayfield. He set the NCAA record for efficiency in a single season last year, and he is well ahead of that pace this season.

FACTS & FIGURES

Oklahoma has the nation’s longest winning streak at 14 games. … Mayfield hasn’t thrown more than 10 incomplete passes in any game during the win streak. … Oklahoma has won 18 straight against the Cyclones. Iowa State’s last win came in 1990. … Iowa State QB Jacob Park threw three interceptions against Texas. … Oklahoma ranks third nationally in scoring. … Lincoln Riley could become the first Oklahoma coach since 1897 to start his career 5-0.